Only 37% of Americans trust the news media according to a recent Gallup poll (Gallup, 2023). That’s a problem. It means a majority of people feel the narratives they’re being fed aren’t accurate or complete. At The Narrative Post, we focus on challenging conventional wisdom and offering a fresh understanding of the stories shaping our world. But is it even possible to break through the noise and present a truly objective view?
Data Point 1: 68% of News Consumers Rely on Social Media
A Pew Research Center study revealed that 68% of U.S. adults get their news from social media (Pew Research Center, 2023). That’s a huge number. Think about it: most people aren’t reading in-depth reports from reputable news organizations. They’re getting snippets and soundbites from platforms designed to be addictive, not informative. And those platforms are driven by algorithms that prioritize engagement, not accuracy.
What does this mean? It means that sensationalism and emotionally charged content are more likely to spread than nuanced, factual reporting. It means that echo chambers are reinforced, and people are less likely to encounter diverse perspectives. It also means that misinformation has a fertile ground to take root. I saw this firsthand last year when a client of mine, a local business owner in the Old Fourth Ward, almost lost his business because of a viral (and completely false) rumor spread on Nextdoor. Perhaps it’s time we ask: Are We Brave Enough To Look Deeper?
Data Point 2: “If It Bleeds, It Leads” – The Enduring Power of Negativity
Studies consistently show that negative news receives more attention than positive news. A 2019 study published in Nature Human Behaviour (Soroka et al., 2019) confirmed that people have a stronger neurological response to negative information. This isn’t new, of course. “If it bleeds, it leads” is an old journalism adage, but it’s now amplified by the internet.
The problem? Constant exposure to negative news can lead to anxiety, depression, and a distorted perception of reality. It can make us feel like the world is a much more dangerous place than it actually is. And it can make us distrustful of others. This is especially concerning for younger generations who have grown up in a 24/7 news cycle dominated by negativity. You might even call it News Blindness.
Data Point 3: The Decline of Local News Outlets
According to the Local News Initiative at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism , the U.S. has lost more than 2,900 newspapers since 2005 (Northwestern University, 2024). That’s a staggering loss. And it’s not just newspapers. Local TV and radio stations are also struggling. Who is covering the local zoning board meetings? Who is holding the city council accountable? Who is reporting on the issues that directly affect our communities?
When local news disappears, a void is created. And that void is often filled by partisan blogs, social media rumors, and national news outlets that don’t have the resources or the expertise to cover local issues effectively. This leads to a decline in civic engagement, increased polarization, and a greater susceptibility to misinformation. Here in Atlanta, we’ve seen this play out with the debates surrounding the proposed expansion of MARTA. Without strong local reporting, it’s easy for misinformation and fear-mongering to dominate the conversation.
Data Point 4: AI and the Future of News
Generative AI is rapidly changing the media landscape. A Reuters Institute report (Reuters Institute, 2023) highlights both the potential benefits and risks of AI in news production. AI can automate tasks like writing routine news reports, creating summaries, and translating articles. But it also raises serious concerns about bias, accuracy, and the potential for misuse.
I’m particularly concerned about the rise of “AI-generated news” websites that churn out low-quality content designed to attract clicks and generate revenue. These sites often lack journalistic ethics and can spread misinformation at scale. The challenge will be to harness the power of AI for good while mitigating its risks. That means developing ethical guidelines, investing in AI literacy, and holding AI developers accountable for the content their systems produce. We’ve already seen some promising tools emerge, such as Snopes and other fact-checking sites using AI to combat disinformation. For more on this topic, see our piece on AI vs. Art.
Challenging the Conventional Wisdom: Objectivity is a Myth, Transparency is Key
The conventional wisdom in journalism is that objectivity is the gold standard. Journalists are supposed to be neutral observers, reporting the facts without bias. I disagree. Complete objectivity is impossible. Every journalist has their own background, experiences, and perspectives that inevitably shape their reporting. The real question isn’t whether a journalist is objective, but whether they are transparent about their biases and committed to presenting all sides of the story.
At The Narrative Post, we embrace transparency. We don’t pretend to be neutral. We clearly state our perspectives and provide the data and evidence to support our claims. We also encourage our readers to challenge our assumptions and to seek out diverse perspectives. We believe that a more informed and engaged citizenry is the best defense against misinformation and manipulation. Here’s what nobody tells you: the pursuit of “objectivity” can sometimes be a smokescreen for maintaining the status quo. It can discourage journalists from challenging powerful interests and from speaking truth to power.
We had an instance of this at my previous firm. A reporter was working on a story about corruption at the Fulton County Courthouse. The reporter was pressured by their editor to “tone down” the story and present a more “balanced” view. The editor was afraid of offending the courthouse officials and losing access to information. The reporter, however, refused to back down and ultimately published a hard-hitting exposé that led to several indictments. This is the kind of journalism we need more of: courageous, independent, and committed to holding power accountable. To see how we approach fact-checking, read our guide on Fact vs. Fiction for News Pros.
So, what’s the solution? Stop chasing the impossible dream of perfect objectivity. Instead, demand transparency, critical thinking, and a commitment to truth from your news sources. Support independent journalism, fact-checking organizations, and media literacy initiatives. And most importantly, be skeptical of everything you read, especially on social media.
Don’t passively consume news. Actively engage with it. Ask questions. Challenge assumptions. Seek out diverse perspectives. And demand accountability from those who are shaping the narratives that shape our world. Only then can we hope to create a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “conventional wisdom” in the context of news?
Conventional wisdom refers to the commonly accepted beliefs or assumptions about a particular issue or event. It’s the prevailing narrative that is often repeated without critical examination. Challenging it means questioning those assumptions and offering alternative interpretations.
How can I tell if a news source is biased?
Look for signs of emotional language, selective reporting, and a lack of diverse perspectives. Also, check the source’s funding and ownership. Are they transparent about their affiliations? Do they have a history of accuracy? Use resources like AllSides to check for bias.
What are some strategies for combating misinformation?
Be skeptical of headlines and social media posts. Verify information with multiple sources. Check the source’s reputation and fact-checking organizations. And be wary of emotionally charged content.
Why is local news so important?
Local news provides crucial information about the issues that directly affect our communities, such as local government, schools, and businesses. It also holds local officials accountable and fosters civic engagement.
How can I support independent journalism?
Subscribe to independent news outlets. Donate to non-profit journalism organizations. Share and amplify independent reporting on social media. And support local businesses that advertise in independent news publications.
The next time you read a news story, don’t just accept it at face value. Ask yourself: Who is telling this story? What are their biases? What evidence are they presenting? And what perspectives are missing? Challenging conventional wisdom and offering a fresh understanding of the stories shaping our world requires a critical and engaged citizenry. It demands that we become active participants in the construction of our own narratives.
